BKCPRFAQ.RVW   960918
 
"C Programming FAQs", Steve Summit, 1996, 0-201-84519-9, U$26.85
%A   Steve Summit summit@aw.com
%C   1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA   01867-9984
%D   1996
%G   0-201-84519-9
%I   Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.
%O   U$26.85 800-822-6339 617-944-3700 Fax: (617) 944-7273 bkexpress@aw.com
%P   432
%T   "C Programming FAQs"
 
The FAQ (list of Frequently Asked Questions, with answers) has become the
dominant information form on the Internet.  It is a completely "market driven"
set of information, based upon those questions which are asked most frequently
by newcomers to a given topic.  I would submit that the FAQ requires the
greatest discipline of any form of writing, since the author is not free to
choose the topics to be addressed.  In addition, in its "native" form on the
net, the FAQ is subject to constant querying and suggestion from readers.  One
must be thoroughly on top of one's subject, as well as face the difficult task
of deciding which questions are truly "frequent".
 
The fact that Summit has maintained and distributed the C FAQ for a number of
years shows in the quality of this work.  The sections are well organized, and
the questions well chosen.  Answers are clear and backed up by solid
references.  Based upon Summit's online version, this is an expanded work which
includes material that would make the electronic edition too bulky.
 
A FAQ is often tutorial in nature, particularly when addressing a popular topic
for which no introductions exist.  The task of programming in C does have
tutorial introductions in readily available courses and other texts, and
therefore this book does not contain a tutorial section.  It does, however,
contain questions which range the gamut from novice to expert.  It definitely
deserves a place among programming references for the professional programmers,
and among texts for those just beyond the beginner stage.
 
(Ironically, I seem to be commenting on cover art solely on C books, but Susan
Cyr's inclusion of the proverbial "first woodpecker" can't be let pass.)
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996   BKCPRFAQ.RVW   960918
 
============= 
Vancouver      ROBERTS@decus.ca         | Lotteries are a tax
Institute for  Rob_Slade@mindlink.bc.ca | on the arithmetically
Research into  rslade@vcn.bc.ca         | impaired.
User           rslade@vanisl.decus.ca   | 
Security       Canada V7K 2G6           |